Camming clamp for roof seam

ABSTRACT

A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/071,891, entitled “Device and Method for Solar PanelInstallation,” filed May 22, 2008, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. This application is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______, entitled “Universal End Clamp,” filed May22, 2009, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “ModuleAttachment Apparatus and Method,” filed May 22, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a clamp for securing a solar cellarray or component thereof to a roof seam.

BACKGROUND

Solar energy generation is a rapidly growing technology worldwide andoffers the potential of almost unlimited clean and sustainable energy.However, the use of solar electric technology has been limited by thecosts associated with installing solar panels to existing and newstructures and facilities.

Solar cell array installation is a very specialized line of work andrequires special equipment and expertise. Because solar modules needmaximum exposure to sunlight to operate efficiently, they are ofteninstalled on the rooftops of structures or buildings. Rooftops areconvenient because they typically represent unused space on a structure.Rooftops are also less prone to vandalism or theft than locations thatare accessible from the ground. While rooftops are often good locationsto install solar modules, they introduce a number of complications intothe installation process. Most notably, rooftop installations introduceincreased risk of water leakage as components are fixed through roofingmembranes and into structural members below. Rooftop surfaces are oftenvisible and require a smooth, level installation, which is often at oddswith the undulating, settled surfaces common in roof surfaces. Workingon roof surfaces typically introduces numerous access and safetychallenges which must be overcome, and therefore limiting the amount oftime for installation or maintenance on the roof is highly advantageousto an installer.

For these reasons, it is desirable to have a solar cell array mountingsolution that offers robust protection against the elements, has anadaptive configuration for accommodating roof and other mounting surfaceirregularities, and contains features that make installation as quickand efficient as possible to minimize installation time on the roof.

Solar panel performance is closely tied to the orientation of a moduleas it operates. Because systems to track the sun can be expensive andcan require a lot of surface area of a roof, modules are typicallymounted fixed in the orientation that yields the best annual energy orcost performance. Tilt angles in the range of 10 to 20 degrees are mostcommon, with higher angles found in higher latitudes or off-grid systemswith greater demand for production in winter months. For this reason,some complete solar cell array installation solutions include tiltoptions for the modules when they are installed on flat or low tiltsituations.

Large commercial roof spaces are often subject to this flat roof, tiltconfiguration requirement. However, due to the complexity of commercialroof construction and the high reliability requirement of commercialroof membranes, roof penetrations may be exceedingly expensive incommercial applications. A system that allows large commercial arrays tobe tilted to their optimum orientation while also significantly reducingthe number of roof penetrations may be advantageous for the commercialsystems integrator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments described herein attempt to overcome the drawbacksof the conventional techniques and devices for solar cell arrayinstallation.

The systems, methods, and devices described herein can offer, amongother advantages, decreased cost of installing solar cell arrays orcomponents thereof. This can be accomplished in an efficient and robustmanner compared with the current installation techniques and devices.The systems, methods, and devices can be installed without drillingcomponents during installation. Because no screws are required to bedrilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantiallyreduced or eliminated entirely. Also, the modular nature can allow foreasier installation and breakdown.

Commercial systems are often installed on rooftops with standing seammetal roofs. These roofs are popular for their cost efficiency andlongevity. The standing seams of these rooftops provide a uniqueattachment point, if the vertical standing seams can be adequately“clamped” so they can support the often significant weight andwindloading requirements of solar panels. A quick, easy to use clampmechanism may save a tremendous amount of labor during installation, butmay also provide for a complete system installation that adds no newpenetrations to the roofing membrane.

In one embodiment, a clamp for securing a module to a roof seamcomprises a cam receiver, a cam, and a bolt. The cam receiver comprisesa horizontal component configured to abut the module and a module clamp;a first vertical component extending from a first end of the horizontalcomponent, the vertical component further comprising a flange configuredto abut the roof seam; and a second vertical component extending from asecond end of the horizontal component, wherein the horizontal componentand the first vertical component form a first corner, and the horizontalcomponent and the second vertical component form a second corner. Thecam comprises a first cam component configured to abut the secondcorner; a threaded cam insert extending from the first cam component;and a second cam component extending from the threaded cam insert,wherein the second cam component is configured to abut the roof seam.The bolt comprises a threaded component, wherein the bolt extends fromthe module clamp through the horizontal component of the cam receiverand the threaded component extends to the threaded cam insert of thecam. The bolt is configured to engage the threaded cam portion of thecam and cause the cam to rotate toward the cam receiver, whereby theflange of the vertical component abuts the roof seam, the second camcomponent abuts the roof seam, and the roof seam abuts the first corner.

In another embodiment, a system for clamping a solar module or rail to aroof seam comprises a module clamp, such as a module end clamp or a midclamp; a cam receiver; a cam; and a bolt. The module end clamp comprisesan upper surface component; a module clamp flange extending from theupper surface component and configured to abut a first side of the solarmodule or rail; and a vertical module clamp component extendingperpendicular to the upper surface component. The cam receiver comprisesa horizontal component configured to abut a second side of the solarmodule or rail and the vertical module clamp component; a first verticalcomponent extending from a first end of the horizontal component, thevertical component further comprising a flange configured to abut theroof seam; and a second vertical component extending from a second endof the horizontal component, wherein the horizontal component and thefirst vertical component form a first corner, and the horizontalcomponent and the second vertical component form a second corner. Thecam comprises a first cam component configured to abut the secondcorner; a threaded cam insert extending from the first cam component;and a second cam component extending from the threaded cam insert,wherein the second cam component is configured to abut the roof seam.The bolt extends from the upper surface component of the module clampthrough the horizontal component of the cam receiver and into thethreaded cam insert of the cam. The bolt is configured to engage thethreaded cam portion of the cam and cause the cam to rotate toward thecam receiver, whereby the flange of the vertical component abuts theroof seam, the second cam component abuts the roof seam, and the roofseam abuts the first corner.

In yet another embodiment, a clamp for securing a module to a roof seamcomprises a cam means for abutting the roof seam; a cam receiving meansfor receiving the cam and abutting the roof seam, wherein the camreceiving means abuts the module; and a cam adjusting means for causingthe cam to rotate and securing a module clamp to the cam receivingmeans, wherein the module is positioned between the an end of the moduleclamp and the cam receiving means.

Additional features and advantages of an embodiment will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized andattained by the structure particularly pointed out in the exemplaryembodiments in the written description and claims hereof as well as theappended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated byway of example and not limited to the following figures:

FIG. 1 a shows a cross-section of a clamp in a first installationposition according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 b shows a cross-section of a clamp in a second installationposition according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 c shows a cross-section of a clamp in a third installationposition according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 d shows a cross-section of a clamp in a fourth installationposition according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 a shows a cross-section of a clamp in a first installationposition according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 b shows a cross-section of a clamp in a second installationposition according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 c shows a cross-section of a clamp in a third installationposition according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 d shows a cross-section of a clamp in a fourth installationposition according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 e shows a perspective view of an installed clamp according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 f shows a perspective view of an installed clamp according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 g shows an exploded perspective view of a clamp according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 h shows an assembled perspective view of a clamp according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a module and clamp assembly accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 b is a cross-sectional view of a module and clamp assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp according to an alternativeexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIGS. 1 a to 1 d show a cross-sectional view of a clamp 100 throughoutvarious stages of installation. Referring to FIG. 1 a, the clamp 100 canbe used to secure or directly support a solar module 105 having a moduleend clamp 110. Although a solar module is described herein, it isintended to include any component of a solar cell array to be secured,including, but not limited to, a photovoltaic array, a photovoltaicmodule, a solar cell, a rail, a solar panel, a solar tracker, a mountingpost or pole, a mounting bracket, or other related hardware.Additionally, although a module end clamp is shown in this exemplaryembodiment, it is intended to include any configuration having a midclamp or rail application.

The module end clamp 110 has a clamp flange 110 a that extends over themodule 105 to secure the module to a structure or roof. Optionally, theclamp flange 110 a can have a ridged or toothed surface to assist withgripping the module 105. As the module end clamp 110 is fastened in adownward position, the module 105 will be secure between module endclamp flange 110 a and clamp receiver horizontal component 140 a.Although a module end clamp is shown, it is intended that the clamp 100can be used with any structural member, such as an L-foot or rail.

The clamp 100 can secure the module end clamp 110 to a standing seammetal roof 120 having a seam 130. Although this exemplary embodiment maybe operable with a variety of seams, it is intended that one of ordinaryskill in the art could configure the clamp to operate with other seams.Seam 130 couples a first metal roof panel 120 a and a second metal roofpanel 120 b. Seam 130 has a first vertical component 130 a, a horizontalcomponent 130 b extending from the first vertical component 130 a, asecond vertical component 130 c extending toward the roof 120 from thehorizontal flange 130 b, and an end component 130 d that extends fromthe second vertical component 130 c toward the first vertical component130 a. The seam 130 has an extension of roof panel 120 a and roof panel120 b that extends throughout the seam 130 to produce a watertight seal.Although the exemplary embodiment depicts a standing seam metal roofhaving mechanical seam or crimp, it is intended that the clamp can beconfigured for or applied to a standing metal seam roof having a panelinterlock.

The clamp 100 has a clamp receiver 140 and a clamp cam 150 configured torotate into the clamp receiver 140. The clamp receiver 140 has ahorizontal component 140 a that supports the module 105 and abuts an endof the module end clamp 110 or two modules when used with a mid clamp(as shown in FIG. 4). The clamp receiver 140 has a cam receiving flange140 b extending vertically toward the roof 120 from the horizontalcomponent 140 a. The clamp receiver 140 also has a vertical component140 c extending toward the roof 120 from the horizontal component 140 a,The vertical component 140 c is positioned at a distal end of horizontalcomponent 140 a, whereas the cam receiving flange 140 b is positioned atthe other distal end of the horizontal component 140 a. The verticalcomponent 140 c has an inwardly directed flange 140 d that is operableto abut the seam 130. The clamp receiver 140 also has a seam receivingflange 140 e configured to create a void between the seam receivingflange 140 e and the vertical component 140 c for receiving the seam130.

The clamp 100 has a cam 150 that rotates about a pivot pointsubstantially near the corner where the horizontal component 140 a andthe cam receiving flange 140 b are coupled. The cam 150 has a first camcomponent 150 a that extends from the pivot point to a cam thread insert150 b. The cam insert 150 b is a cylindrical component that fits withincam 150. The cam insert 150 b has a threaded aperture for receiving thebolt 160, which when rotated, causes the cam insert 150 b (along withthe cam 150) to move up and down the bolt 160. A second cam component150 c extends from the cam thread insert 150 b and forms a corner 150 d.The second cam component 150 c has a distal end configured to abut theseam 130. The corner 150 d is configured to abut the seam 130 at thejunction of the second vertical flange 130 c and the end component 130d.

A torque bolt 160 extends from an upper portion of the module end clamp110 and through the clamp 100 to the cam thread insert 150 b. The bolt160 has a polygonal component 160 a at a distal end that extends beyondthe module end clamp 110 and can be used to engage or disengage the bolt160 from the cam thread insert 150 b. It is intended that the bolt 160can have any configuration at the distal end that allows a user torotate the bolt or allows the bolt to engage the cam 150, such as ascrewdriver receiving recess, and is not limited to a polygonalcomponent, such as a hexagonal or pentagonal shaped component. At theother end of the module end clamp 110 (or mid clamp), the bolt 160 has athreaded component 160 b that extends through the horizontal component140 a to the cam thread insert 150 b. The cam thread insert 150 b has athread that is configured to receive the threaded component 160 b of thebolt 160. This exemplary configuration of the bolt 160 can assist insecuring the cam 150 in the clamp 100.

As shown in FIG. 1 a, the installation process begins with the clamp 100having the cam 150 in an open position and the bolt 160 is not extendedinto the cam thread insert 150 b. As the installation process continues,the clamp 100 is lowered onto the seam 130 and the bolt 160 engages thecam thread insert 150 b to rotate the cam 150 into position abutting theseam 130.

FIG. 1 b shows the clamp 100 being lowered onto the seam 130. Byrotating the polygonal component 160 a of the bolt 160, the threadedcomponent 160 b engages the cam thread insert 150 b and causes the cam150 to rotate towards the vertical component 140 c. The inwardlydirected flange 140 d of the vertical component 140 c abuts the firstvertical flange 130 a of the seam 130.

FIG. 1 c shows the clamp 100 being lowered further onto the roof 120. Asthe bolt 160 is rotated, the cam 150 continues to rotate to engage theseam 130. The horizontal component 130 b of the seam 130 abuts the voidbetween the seam receiving flange 140 e and the vertical component 140c. The inwardly directed flange 140 d remains abutted against thevertical component 130 a of seam 130. The second cam component 150 calso abuts the vertical component 130 a of seam 130. In this position ininstallation, the cam 150 has been rotated to substantially close theopening to secure the clamp 100 to seam 130.

FIG. 1 d shows a tightening of the clamp 100 to the seam 130. Thepolygonal component 160 a of bolt 160 can be rotated until the clamp 100is in a desired securing position. In one exemplary embodiment, the bolt160 is rotated to 10 ft-lbs. The threaded component 160 b of the bolt160 continues to engage the cam thread insert 150 b until the cam 150 issubstantially in a final, secure position and the cam 150 cannot berotated further. In this final position, as shown in FIG. 1 d, theinwardly directed flange 140 d remains abutted against the verticalcomponent 130 a of seam 130. The horizontal component 130 b of the seam130 abuts the void between the seam receiving flange 140 e and thevertical component 140 c. The second cam component 150 c abuts thevertical component 130 a of seam 130. The corner 150 d abuts the seam130 at the junction of the second vertical flange 130 c and the endcomponent 130 d. Accordingly, the cam 150 cannot rotate further becausethe cam 150 is pressed against the seam 130 at these two points. Also,by tightening the bolt 160, the module end clamp 110 is secured againstthe clamp 100. As a result, the module 105 is secured between the flange110 a and the horizontal component 140 a of the clamp receiver 140.

The clamp 100, including the clamp receiver 140, cam 150, and bolt 160,can be composed of any known or convenient material, including, but notlimited to metal, fiberglass, plastic, wood, composites or any othercombination of materials.

By installing the clamp 100 on the seam 130, a solar cell array orcomponents thereof can be secured to the roof 120 without drilling intothe roof 120. Because no screws are required to be drilled into therooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, byreversing the process described above, the clamp 100 can be uninstalledin a similar fashion.

FIGS. 2 a to 2 d show a cross-sectional view of a clamp 200 throughoutvarious stages of installation according to an alternative exemplaryembodiment. FIG. 2 e shows a perspective view of an installed clampaccording to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 f shows a perspective viewof an installed clamp according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 gshows an exploded perspective view of a clamp according to an exemplaryembodiment. FIG. 2 h shows an assembled perspective view of a clampaccording to an exemplary embodiment. The clamp 200 shown in FIGS. 2 ato 2 h allows for more variation in the length of a bolt 260, ascompared to clamp 100 shown in FIGS. 1 a to 1 d, and is described inmore detail below.

Referring to FIG. 2 a, the clamp 200 can be used to secure or directlysupport a solar module 205 having a module end clamp 210. Although asolar module is described herein, it is intended to include anycomponent of a solar cell array to be secured, including, but notlimited to, a photovoltaic array, a photovoltaic module, a solar cell, arail, a solar panel, a solar tracker, a mounting post or pole, and amounting bracket. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, a clamp300 can secure a long L-shaped bracket or tilt leg 310 and a short tiltleg 320. When a module 330 is secured to a rail 340, the tilt leg 320can mount to the clamp 300 to support the rail 340. However, the termmodule is not intended to be limited to components used for solar energyand solar component installation. The module can apply to any componentthat can be secured to a roof, including, but not limited to, asatellite dish, an antenna, and HVAC equipment.

As shown in FIG. 4, a clamp 400 can also operate with a module mid clamp410, as opposed to a module end clamp 210 as shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 h. Themodule mid clamp 410 can be positioned between two modules 420, 430.

The module end clamp 210 has a clamp flange 210 a that extends over themodule 205 to secure the module to a structure or roof. Optionally, theclamp flange 210 a can have a ridged or toothed surface to assist withgripping the module 205. As the module end clamp 210 is fastened in adownward position, the module 205 will be secure between module endclamp flange 210 a and clamp receiver horizontal component 240 a.Although a module end clamp is shown, it is intended that the clamp 200can be used with any structural member, such as an L-foot or rail.

The clamp 200 can secure the module end clamp 210 to a standing seammetal roof 220 having a seam 230. Seam 230 couples a first metal roofpanel 220 a and a second metal roof panel 220 b. Seam 230 has a firstvertical component 230 a, a horizontal component 230 b extending fromthe first vertical component 230 a, a second vertical component 230 cextending toward the roof 220 from the horizontal flange 230 b, and anend component 230 d that extends from the second vertical component 230c toward the first vertical component 230 a. The seam 230 has anextension of roof panel 220 a and roof panel 220 b that extendsthroughout the seam 230 to produce a watertight seal. Although theexemplary embodiment depicts a standing seam metal roof havingmechanical seam or crimp, it is intended that the clamp can beconfigured for or applied to a standing metal seam roof having a panelinterlock.

The clamp 200 has a clamp receiver 240 and a clamp cam 250 configured torotate into the clamp receiver 240. The clamp receiver 240 has ahorizontal component 240 a that supports the module 205 and abuts an end210 b of the module end clamp 210. The clamp receiver 240 has a camreceiving flange 240 b extending vertically toward the roof 220 from thehorizontal component 240 a. The clamp receiver 240 also has a verticalcomponent 240 c extending toward the roof 220 from the horizontalcomponent 240 a, The vertical component 240 c is positioned at a distalend of horizontal component 240 a, whereas the cam receiving flange 240b is positioned at the other distal end of the horizontal component 240a. The vertical component 240 c has an inwardly directed flange 240 dthat is operable to abut the seam 230. The clamp receiver 240 also has aseam receiving flange 240 e configured to create a void between the seamreceiving flange 240 e and the vertical component 240 c for receivingthe seam 230. Optionally, the clamp receiver 240 can have a horizontalthread 240 f configured for receiving a bolt to secure electricalconduit or other equipment that needs to be secured to the roof.

The clamp 200 has a cam 250 that rotates about a pivot pointsubstantially near the corner where the horizontal component 240 a andthe cam receiving flange 240 b are coupled. The cam 250 has a first camcomponent 250 a that extends from the pivot point to a cam thread insert250 b. The cam insert 250 b, as shown in FIG. 2 g, is a cylindricalcomponent that fits within cam 250. The cam insert 250 b has a threadedaperture 255 for receiving the bolt 260, which when rotated, causes thecam insert 250 b (along with the cam 250) to move up and down the bolt260. A second cam component 250 c extends from the cam thread insert 250b and forms a corner 250 d. The second cam component 250 c has a distalend configured to abut the seam 230. The corner 250 d is configured toabut the seam 230 at the junction of the second vertical flange 230 cand the end component 230 d.

A torque bolt 260 extends from an upper portion of the module end clamp210 and through the clamp 200 to the cam thread insert 250 b. The bolt260 has a polygonal component 260 a at a distal end that extends beyondthe module end clamp 210 and can be used to engage or disengage the bolt260 from the cam thread insert 250 b. It is intended that the bolt 260can have any configuration at the distal end that allows a user torotate the bolt or allows the bolt to engage the cam 250, such as ascrewdriver receiving recess, and is not limited to a polygonalcomponent, such as a hexagonal or pentagonal shaped component. At theother end of the module end clamp 210, the bolt 260 has a threadedcomponent 260 b that extends through the horizontal component 240 a tothe cam thread insert 250 b. The cam thread insert 250 b has a threadthat is configured to receive the threaded component 260 b of the bolt260.

As shown in FIG. 2 a, the installation process begins with the clamp 200having the cam 250 in an open position and the bolt 260 is not extendedinto the cam thread insert 250 b. As the installation process continues,the clamp 200 is lowered onto the seam 230 and the bolt 240 engages thecam thread insert 250 b to rotate the cam 250 into position abutting theseam 230.

FIG. 2 b shows the clamp 200 being lowered onto the seam 230. Byrotating the polygonal component 260 a of the bolt 260, the threadedcomponent 260 b engages the cam thread insert 250 b and causes the cam250 to rotate and towards the vertical component 240 c. The inwardlydirected flange 240 d of the vertical component 240 c abuts the firstvertical flange 230 a of the seam 230.

FIG. 2 c shows the clamp 200 being lowered further onto the roof 220. Asthe bolt 260 is rotated, the cam 250 continues to rotate to engage theseam 230. The horizontal component 230 b of the seam 230 abuts the voidbetween the seam receiving flange 240 e and the vertical component 240c. The inwardly directed flange 240 d remains abutted against thevertical component 230 a of seam 230. The second cam component 250 calso abuts the vertical component 230 a of seam 230. In this position ininstallation, the cam 250 has been rotated to substantially close theopening to secure the clamp 200 to seam 230.

FIG. 2 d shows a tightening of the clamp 200 to the seam 230. Thepolygonal component 260 a of bolt 260 can be rotated until the clamp 200is in a desired securing position. In one exemplary embodiment, the bolt260 is rotated to 10 ft-lbs. The threaded component 260 b of the bolt260 continues to engage the cam thread insert 250 b until the cam 250 issubstantially in a final, secure position and the cam 250 cannot berotated further. In this final position, as shown in FIG. 2 d, theinwardly directed flange 240 d remains abutted against the verticalcomponent 230 a of seam 230. The horizontal component 230 b of the seam230 abuts the void between the seem receiving flange 240 e and thevertical component 240 c. The second cam component 250 c abuts thevertical component 230 a of seam 230. The corner 250 d abuts the seam230 at the junction of the second vertical flange 230 c and the endcomponent 230 d. Accordingly, the cam 250 cannot rotate further becausethe cam 250 is pressed against the seam 230 at these two points. Also,by tightening the bolt 260, the module end clamp 210 is secured againstthe clamp 200. As a result, the module 205 is secured between the flange210 a and the horizontal component 240 a of the clamp receiver 240.

Once the clamp 200 is secured to seam 230, as shown in FIG. 2 d, thethreaded component 260 b extends beyond the cam thread insert 250 b.Because the bolt 260 is available in a variety of lengths, the threadedcomponent 260 b can extend a varied amount, depending upon the height ofthe module end clamp 210. As shown in this exemplary embodiment, themodule end clamp has a height (X), the distance from an upper end of thecam receiver 240 to the bottom of the cam receiving flange 240 is about1.43 inches, which allows about 0.5 inches of the threaded component 260b to extend without abutting the roof 220.

The clamp 200, including the clamp receiver 240, cam 250, and bolt 260,can be composed of any known or convenient material, including, but notlimited to metal, fiberglass, plastic, wood, composites or any othercombination of materials. The clamp 200 can be manufactured by anyprocess known in the art, including extrusion and cold-forging.

By installing the clamp 200 on the seam 230, a solar cell array orcomponents thereof can be secured to the roof 220 without drilling intothe roof 220. Because no screws are required to be drilled into therooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, byreversing the process described above, the clamp 200 can be uninstalledin a similar fashion.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a clamp 500 has a camreceiver 510 has a downward extending flange 510 a. A cam 520 has afirst component 520 a extending to a rounded end 520 b. The downwardextending flange 510 a is configured to substantially receive roundedend 520 b such that rounded end 520 substantially acts as a pivot pointfor the rotation of the cam 520 within the cam receiver 510. Forexample, the rounded end 520 b and the downward extending flange 510 acan have a ball-and-socket configuration.

The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary. Oneskilled in the art recognizes that numerous alternative components andembodiments that may be substituted for the particular examplesdescribed herein and still fall within the scope of the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A system comprising: a module clamp comprising: anupper surface component; a module clamp flange extending from the uppersurface component and configured to abut a first side of at least one ofa solar module and a rail; and a vertical module clamp componentextending perpendicular to the upper surface component; a cam receivercomprising: a horizontal component configured to abut a second side ofthe at least one of a solar module or rail and the vertical module clampcomponent; a first vertical component extending from a first end of thehorizontal component, the vertical component further comprising a flangeconfigured to abut the roof seam; and a second vertical componentextending from a second end of the horizontal component, wherein thehorizontal component and the first vertical component form a firstcorner, and the horizontal component and the second vertical componentform a second corner; a cam comprising: a first cam component configuredto abut the second corner; a threaded cam insert extending from thefirst cam component; and a second cam component extending from thethreaded cam insert, wherein the second cam component is configured toabut the roof seam; and a bolt extending from the upper surfacecomponent of the module clamp through the horizontal component of thecam receiver and into the threaded cam insert of the cam, wherein thebolt is configured to: engage the threaded cam portion of the cam; pullthe cam towards the horizontal component until the first cam componentabuts the second corner, preventing further vertical movement of thecam; and thereby cause the cam to rotate toward the cam receiver, andwhereby the flange of the vertical component abuts the roof seam, thesecond cam component abuts the roof seam, and the roof seam abuts thefirst corner.
 22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the secondcam component and the threaded cam insert form a third corner, andwherein the third corner is configured to receive the roof seam.
 23. Thesystem according to claim 21, further comprising a receiving flangeextending from the horizontal component of the cam receiver, wherein thevoid between the receiving flange and the first vertical component isconfigured to receive the roof seam.
 24. The system according to claim21, wherein the cam rotates about a pivot point substantially near thesecond corner.
 25. The system according to claim 21, wherein the boltcomprises a tightening component configured to rotate the bolt.
 26. Thesystem according to claim 25, wherein the tightening component extendsbeyond the upper surface of the module clamp.
 27. The system accordingto claim 25, wherein the tightening component has a polygonal shape.